Democratic attorney general hopeful Stan Garnett says the $50,000 he loaned to his own campaign earlier this month is a testament to his commitment to the race and the enthusiasm he’s generated from supporters.

Garnett, Boulder County District Attorney, has raised nearly $200,000 without the loan in the down-ticket race where he’s challenging Republican incumbent Attorney General John Suthers. Suthers has raised $428,686 this cycle.

Garnett said he knew that his late entry into the race – he filed papers April 8 – would mean he’d have to make a loan at some point.

“I’m ahead of Dan Maes, and he’s running for a top of the ticket race,” Garnett quipped about the new-to-politics GOP pick for governor. “And he’s been at it for about a year longer.”

He pointed out that he’s not accepting money from political action committees, a message that helped gain failed U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff traction in his race. (Though not enough as of Tuesday.)

“Fund-raising rules in Colorado are tight, particularly when you’re not taking PAC money,” Garnett said. “We’re running a very lean campaign. I’ve been encouraged by the excitement we’ve seen.”